Weir has secured a contract to supply ENDURON® high pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) to Ivanhoe Mines’
Platreef Mine as part of its upcoming Phase 2 expansion. A HPGR circuit is planned to be included as part of
the Phase 2 concentrator’s tertiary crushing. The use of HPGRs at the Platreef Mine is influenced by their
successful operation at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which
Ivanhoe Mines operates in joint venture with Zijin Mining.
The Platreef Mine, located approximately 280 km northeast of Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of the
world’s largest precious metals deposits under development. Phase 1 of the Platreef Mine began production
in November 2025, with the Phase 2 expansion expected to be complete by the end of 2027. Ivanhoe Mines
is planning a further phase of expansion that targets the Platreef Mine to become one of the world’s largest
and lowest-cost platinum group metal (PGM) producers.
ENDURON® HPGRs deliver energy-efficient comminution solutions, consuming up to 40% less energy than
traditional tumbling mills, significantly reducing operating costs and lowering carbon emissions.
The value of the contract has not been disclosed.
Bjorn Dierx, Weir, Director of HPGR and Process, said:
‘Weir is delighted to be partnering with Ivanhoe Mines to supply our proven ENDURON HPGR technology.
There has been a discernible trend in the mining sector towards reducing its environmental impact in recent
years. The continued adoption of HPGR systems as the preferred solution for efficient, high-performance
and sustainable ore processing provides one of the most significant opportunities in this regard.
‘We have a large installed base of ENDURON HPGRs, and these orders reflect the strong confidence miners
have in Weir’s advanced grinding technology and process expertise.
‘Weir has always prioritised the service and support element of these partnerships. We understand the
importance of being close to our customers and, in this case, we have a service centre less than 10km from
the site to ensure we can provide immediate support during operations.’
Steve Amos, Ivanhoe Mines, Executive Vice President, Projects, said:
‘HPGR technology is now fairly standard in the mining industry and has proven to be cost and energy
efficient. Ivanhoe Mines has extensive HPGR operational experience gained from the three operating
HPGRs at our Kamoa copper mine in DRC. We look forward to a successful and long-lasting partnership
with Weir.’
